when you're here, you're family

i've decided that since i recently graduated with my degree in theatre, waiting tables was the next logical step.

i got a job at the olive garden in sugarhouse. i'm two days into my training and i'm a wreck. i'm completely comfortable sampling and getting to know the menu, even making the salads and dishing up the soups and breadsticks, but today i had to start actually taking food to tables and i don't know what i'm getting myself into. those trays are enormous and apparently i have no talent in the art of balancing. i was sloshing minestone all over the place.

hopefully i'll be able to master it in the next couple of days, because next week it's do or die. on the bright side, my "hospitaliano" couldn't be better. (that's a word the OG made up that means treating our guests like family and getting it right the first time for 100% guest delight - i had to memorize that for a test.)

so, keep me in your prayers. i've got the notion that i'll need all the help i can get.

apartment pt.1: the kitchen

okay, we're doing room by room decorating. our kitchen is complete (with the possible exceptions of one more something on one of the walls and a light for above the table.) so, here's some pictures. i'll describe in detail just what you're looking at...

the sink area. note the cute clock and key hanger on the left. also, behind the sink is a darling cappucino set, colander, coaster and paper towel holder.

stove area. yes, those are owl salt and pepper shakers perched on the top of the stove. and a magnetic chalkboard above them where we post take-out menus, pictures, love notes, etc.

the fridge. some highlights: the andy warhol jackie o magnet, our magazine cut-out inspirations for the living room, coultin & desi and cutest reddest's wedding announcements, and the midnight movies showing at tower theatre.

the table. something unfortunate happened in the uploading process and there are imaginary lines running through the photo. they are not part of our kitchen. but this is our table complete with a place setting and bowl of apples, accented by almost ridiculously large flatwear and (normal sized) plates hanging on the wall.

stay tuned for bedroom, living room, bathroom, and perhaps porch pictures.

let's all go to dee's

dee's family restaurant was just that on friday morning.

i had the distinct pleasure of joining my grandpa, my aunts and my mom for breakfast at dee's in ogden. unbeknownst to me, they are somewhat regulars; friends with nan the waitress, their very own corner booth, and their regular specials from the senior menu (while only my grandpa and aunt ann qualify, the good people at dee's are kind enough to look the other way for susan, my mom and even me to order the #4 pancake special for just $5.65)

the food (while delicious) was a mere candle holder to the company and conversation. to those of you who haven't had the pleasure of listening (as not much else can be done) to the ellis sisters when they get together, i'm here to tell you, you can't write that stuff.

"Let's go to Dee's, let's all go to Dee's! That's what Daddy says, and the family all agrees. Dee's!"

on the street where i live

i recently became a resident of the 9th & 9th area in salt lake (the apartment is undergoing decoration - pictures to come) and yesterday discovered that i reside in the loveliest of shopping meccas. i made this discovery along side my mom, the best shopping partner i've yet come across; she's taught me everything i know. i'll post links to the stores' sites, but you really must experience them in person. and if you are in the area, give me a ring. we can do lunch at one of the many darling cafes. happy shopping!

http://www.childrenshourbookstore.com/

http://www.koodeker.com/

http://outside.in/places/apt-202-salt-lake-city

http://www.hipandhumble.com/

http://www.9thand9th.com/

a very nice letter

i think this is so important, and so true. how refreshing to read such open-mindedness.

http://www.kcpw.org/article/6243

un petit voyage

i just got back from a little trip up to jackson hole with my mom, dad and george. we saw a lovely production of "singin' in the rain", spent a day in yellowstone, shopped a little, rode the alpine slide, went to a fair, and saw "mamma mia" in the tiny jackson hole movie theatre. (love you meryl.)

some highlights of the trip:

• watching my dad try to wave down a semi for flipping rocks at us


• watching austin's mad tap skills in "singin'"
  
• trying to speak french to the men struggling at the gas station


• seeing a grizzley in yellowstone


• watching george "bouff" at the buffalo


• breakfast at nora's


• seeing the 1,000 pound pig


• "the winner takes it all"


• getting to hang out with austin, tyson and elise


• lily & co.
  
  
  
  
  george and me with jackson's official singing cowboy

the talented leads of "singin' in the rain"
kai blakesly, ami abram, and austin archer

ode to good parenting

i'd like to raise my glass to the parents who DON'T bring their 3, 4, and 5 year olds to the MIDNIGHT showing of THE DARK KNIGHT. and to those who DON'T prance around DOWNTOWN salt lake at 11 PM with their INFANT strapped to them and trying desparately to sleep amid the CLUB SCENES, LOUD MOTORCYCLES, and SIDEWALK CIGARETTE SMOKERS.

here's to the parents who invest in babysitters. and to the babysitters themselves. and to taking a little responsibility.